Victor Gaitan Andrea Giglio

Who was Victor Giglio?

Victor Gaitan Andrea Giglio was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old first-class passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Born on June 17, 1888, in Toxteth Park, Liverpool, England, Giglio was of English and Italian descent. He served as a valet to the wealthy American businessman Benjamin Guggenheim during the ill-fated voyage.

Early Life and Education

What was Victor Giglio’s background?

Victor Giglio was born to an Italian cotton merchant father, Frederici Josephi (Frederick Joseph) Giglio, and an Egyptian mother, Despina Sepse. He was baptized on July 21, 1888, at the church of Maria de Monte Carmeli (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) in Liverpool.

• Family:
  • Father: Frederici Josephi (Frederick Joseph) Giglio
  • Mother: Despina Sepse
  • Brothers: Richard, Harold, and Edgar (all born in Egypt)

Where did Victor Giglio study?

In 1901, Victor attended Ampleforth Abbey, a Roman Catholic boys’ school in North Yorkshire. It was here that he developed his musical talents, particularly in piano. The school later remembered him as “one of the best pianists the school has had in the last few years.”

Pre-Titanic Years

What was Victor Giglio’s life like before the Titanic?

Little is known about Victor’s life between his school years and his employment with Benjamin Guggenheim. However, records show that on May 25, 1910, he arrived in New York aboard the White Star Liner Teutonic. At that time, he had no listed occupation and had paid for his own passage.

A physical description from this journey provides insight into his appearance:

The Titanic Journey

How did Victor Giglio come to be on the Titanic?

Victor Giglio boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a first-class passenger, accompanying his employer, Benjamin Guggenheim. They occupied cabin B-84, and their ticket number was 17593. The fare for their passage was £79 5s 4d.

Who else was traveling with Giglio and Guggenheim?

Several other individuals were associated with their party:

• Mr. Rene Pernot: Guggenheim’s French chauffeur, traveling in second class
• Leontine Aubart: Guggenheim’s mistress, also aboard the Titanic

The Fateful Night

What happened to Victor Giglio during the Titanic’s sinking?

As the Titanic began to sink on the night of April 14-15, 1912, Victor Giglio demonstrated remarkable courage and loyalty. Shortly before the ship went down, he returned to his room and changed into his finest evening wear, as did his employer, Mr. Guggenheim. This act was seen as a dignified acceptance of their fate.

“I did not expect to see his name in the list of survivors,” one of his old classmates wrote to the Ampleforth School Headmaster, “Giglio was unlikely to be saved when any were lost.”

Victor Giglio, along with Mr. Pernot and Mr. Guggenheim, did not survive the sinking. He was just 23 (twenty-three) years old when he perished.

Legacy and Remembrance

How was Victor Giglio remembered?

The Ampleforth Journal, the publication of Giglio’s former school, paid tribute to him in their 1912 and 1913 editions. They praised his bravery and willingness to sacrifice himself, noting that “those who knew Giglio at School will not require any assurance that he met death bravely and even willingly rather than, perhaps, take the place of someone else in the lifeboats.”

Madame Giglio, Victor’s mother, presented the school with a collection of music and books in remembrance of her son. This gesture underscored the impact Victor had made during his time at Ampleforth and the lasting impression he left on those who knew him.

What impact did Victor Giglio’s story have?

Victor Giglio’s story exemplifies the tragic loss of young talent in the Titanic disaster. As a first-class passenger and skilled pianist, his potential was cut short. His actions in the face of certain death, changing into evening wear alongside his employer, have become part of the lore surrounding the Titanic’s final moments, symbolizing the dignity and composure of many passengers in their final hours.

Victor Giglio’s tale serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic tragedy, particularly among the victims who, despite their privileged status, chose to face death with grace and selflessness.